Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has admitted he is “not a lover” of the EU, warning the project needs “dramatic” reform
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has said the EU is in need of "dramatic" reform, but maintained the UK remains better as a member.
Speaking last night, Corbyn reiterated his opposition to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, and said the EU helps to "shield" tax avoiders, adding he wants to pursue substantial reform.
"If we remain, I believe Europe has got to change quite dramatically to something much more democratic, much more accountable and share our wealth and improve our living standards and our working conditions all across the whole continent," Corbyn said.
However, while the Labour leader admitted he is "not a lover of the EU", and described his support for the EU was "not unconditional", he said the ability to work across borders to improve environmental protection and protect workers made a Remain vote critical.
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Despite his criticisms of the EU in its current form, Corbyn rejected the suggestion he should take the blame if the UK votes Leave this week.
"I'm not going to take blame for people's decision. Obviously I'm hoping there's going to be a Remain Vote but there may not. Whatever the result that is the result of the referendum and we've got to work with it," he said.
The comments come ahead of a further rallying call from Corbyn, who will tomorrow urge the country to vote Remain to protect jobs and workers rights.
He will be one of a raft of senior Labour figures addressing the public tomorrow, with events planned in Glasgow, Birmingham, Derby, Cardiff and Manchester, where Corbyn will lead the schedule alongside Alan Johnson, chair of the Labour In For Britain campaign.